Ra Ra Riot @ Golden Gate Park

Who knew that the cello could be the make-or-break instrument for a band? I certainly didn't (unless the band is actually a symphony led by Yo-Yo Ma); however, that was what Ra Ra Riot proved when they called a scheduled hour-long, early morning set after just two songs on a foggy morning at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. It was an inspiring and ambitious idea: Coffee, bagels, and donuts segueing into a 9-10AM set before the band hit the road on their way from San Francisco to Reno, but after just one song, the group announced that they would play only one more song due to a malfunctioning cello to the chuckling amusement of the unbelieving crowd. So, after acoustic, un-miked renditions of "Each Year" and "Dying Is Fine," the crowd of about 30 onlookers, the band, and the Spin Earth TV video crew packed up and wandered off into the fog. Although I highly respect their willingness to get up early and perform in a picnic like atmosphere, the execution of set was just a little awkward. Nevertheless, it was fun and here's a taste of the performance...